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FIX: POWERPOINT TIMER NOT SHOWING DURING SLIDE SHOW (2025 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE)

⭐ Introduction: The Most Common PowerPoint Timer Problem

PowerPoint timer not showing is a common and frustrating issue thousands of teachers and presenters run into during Slide Show mode.

“The timer works in the editor, but it doesn’t show during the slide show.”

This typically happens when:

  • using animation-based timers

  • embedding video countdowns

  • using online timers

  • using images instead of real timers

  • using add-ins incorrectly configured

Good news — the problem is easy to fix once you understand why it happens.

This guide explains:

  • the main causes of timers disappearing

  • how to fix each problem

  • how to prevent issues in future

  • the simplest way to add a reliable timer (UbiTimer)

If your PowerPoint timer not showing, the most common cause is that the animation is set to start on click instead of automatically.

Is your PowerPoint timer not showing in Slide Show mode?

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Download our KS3/KS4 timer pack:

  • 5-minute starter
  • 3-minute group task
  • 30-second transition
  • 10-minute revision timer
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⭐ WHY TIMERS DISAPPEAR IN SLIDE SHOW MODE

There are six common causes.

❗ 1. The Timer Is Behind Another Object or Layer

Another frequent reason for a PowerPoint timer not showing is that the timer shape is placed behind another object on the slide.

PowerPoint layers objects like Photoshop.
If your timer is behind a shape, textbox, or image, it won’t appear during the show.

✔ Fix

  1. Click your timer

  2. Go to Home → Arrange

  3. Choose Bring to Front

Pro Tip

Turn on Selection Pane to see if something is covering it.

❗ 2. The Timer Is an Image, Not a Real Timer

If a teacher inserted a screenshot or pasted a preview image from an add-in, PowerPoint will show only the picture — not a live timer.

✔ Fix

Ensure you insert a real timer object, not a PNG.

In UbiTimer:

  • Click Add Timer to Slide
    (not “Copy preview image” or “Screenshot”)

❗ 3. Animation Timers Are Set to ‘On Click’

Most animation-based timers use Appear or Disappear effects.

If the animation is set to On Click, your countdown won’t begin automatically.

✔ Fix (Animations)

  1. Open Animations Pane

  2. Select each animation

  3. Change Start: On Click → After Previous

This ensures the countdown begins without clicking.

❗ 4. The Timer Is Outside the Slide Area

If the timer is placed slightly outside the boundary, you won’t see it during the slideshow.

✔ Fix

Drag the timer fully inside the slide edges.

Check in:

  • Normal View

  • Slide Master (rare cases)

❗ 5. Video Timers Do Not Auto-Play

If you’re using a video countdown, it must be set to autoplay.

✔ Fix (Video Timers)

  1. Click the video

  2. Go to Playback

  3. Set Start: Automatically

❗ 6. Browser/Web Timers Don’t Display in Slide Show

A PowerPoint timer not showing in Slide Show almost always means either the animation trigger or slide timing is misconfigured.

Embedded online timers (iframe objects) often:

  • fail to load

  • are blocked by school networks

  • cannot display properly in slide show

✔ Fix

Avoid online timers — they are not reliable for teaching.

Microsoft PowerPoint Support

⭐ The Simple Fix: Use a Dedicated Timer Add-In (UbiTimer)

If you want a timer that:

  • always appears

  • starts reliably

  • never hides or glitches

  • works across slides

  • works in classrooms/projectors

  • supports auto-start

  • supports global timers

  • supports radial/circular countdowns

…UbiTimer is the most teacher-friendly solution.

UbiTimer places a real timer object on the slide — not an animation or video — so it never disappears when presenting. You will not experience PowerPoint timer not showing problem.

⭐ HOW TO FIX DISPLAY ISSUES USING UbiTimer

✔ 1. Reinsert the Timer

If your timer isn’t visible:

  • Remove it

  • Open UbiTimer

  • Click Add Timer to Slide

This ensures you’re inserting a real, active timer.

✔ 2. Enable “Auto-Start”

For starters, transitions, or silent work:

  • Turn on Auto-Start Timer on This Slide

This ensures the timer begins instantly.

✔ 3. Enable “Use the Same Timer Across All Slides”

If your timer disappears when switching slides, it’s because PowerPoint resets it.

Turn on UbiTimer’s Global Timer Mode:

  • Timer continues across slides

  • Never resets

  • Never disappears

Perfect for:

  • assemblies

  • group work

  • long tasks

  • KS3/KS4 revision

✔ 4. Bring Timer to the Front

Sometimes shapes or images sit on top of your timer.

  • Home → Arrange → Bring to Front

✔ 5. Avoid Conflicting Animations

Animated text boxes can delay the timer from showing.

Remove or reorder animations so the timer runs freely.

✔ 6. Use High-Contrast Colours

If the timer blends into the background, students think it “disappeared”.

Choose:

  • white on dark

  • bold on light

  • school colours

If you are using an add-in and the PowerPoint timer not showing, check whether Office is blocking external scripts. Microsoft Office Troubleshooting

🏫 Classroom Examples of Display Fixes

Example 1 — Hidden Timer on a Busy Slide

A textbox sat over the timer → bring to front → fixed.

Example 2 — Video Timer Not Showing

Playback set to “On Click” → changed to “Automatically” → fixed.

Example 3 — Animation Timer Not Starting

Animations set to “On Click” → changed to “After Previous” → fixed.

Example 4 — Timer Reset on Each Slide

Enabled Global Timer Mode → fixed instantly.

Example 5 — Timer Too Small on Smartboard

Increased size + changed colour → fully visible for students.

Microsoft Education

❓ FAQ — PowerPoint Timer Not Showing in Slide Show

Why does my PowerPoint timer disappear?

Because of layers, animations, video settings, or placeholder images.

Why does my timer start on click only?

Your animation or video is set to “On Click”.

Why does the timer reset when I change slides?

Because PowerPoint cannot run timers across slides — use Global Timer Mode.

Why is my timer invisible on some slides?

It may be behind an object or outside slide boundaries.

What is the easiest fix?

Use UbiTimer — a real timer object that always shows correctly.

🎓 Conclusion

If your PowerPoint timer not showing during PowerPoint’s slide show, the cause is almost always:

  • layering

  • animation settings

  • video autoplay

  • online timers

  • incorrect object type

Once you understand why a PowerPoint timer not showing, the fix is usually a simple animation or display adjustment.

By following the simple fixes above — or using a dedicated timer tool like UbiTimer — you can make sure your timer appears every time, without glitches or surprises.

Smooth lessons. Clear time limits. Better behaviour. Less stress.

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